The darkness made it difficult to move fast. It was as if the night wanted to lead hurrying people astray. The stars twinkled faintly and were hardly noticeable. Only the light of the moon diluted the darkness in a world that was so similar to the Earthly dwelling.

The crunch of dry grass under the feet was clearly audible in the velvet stillness. The three did their best to get to the destination as fast as possible.

When Hao Ning tried to detect Wei Huan, he completely lost the sense of how long the whole journey took. The young man's head was filled with complicated thoughts. Thus despite the long journey, he lost the trace of time.

Now, when Hao Ning thought about the village, wanting to get to it as quickly as possible, the perception of how far it really lied made him very nervous. The blue mist – a faintly glowing smoke that was rising up into the darkness of the sky – shone as the beacon. It was what Jin Yu Ming had talked about. There was no doubt that this light was also caused by the energy of this world.

– Stay close! – shouted Wei Huan without turning to Hao Ning. – We are almost there!

The firm and confident voice of the General could not but inspire. It gave hope that they would be there on time and everything would be done right.

Hao Ning had little understanding of what they would have to deal with, and what kind of rift Jin Yu Ming had been talking about. But he had a strong feeling that there would be some demons involved. Again.

His assumptions were confirmed very soon. The rays of smoke came closer, then the familiar houses of the village appeared in the distance, and the flickering lights of the lanterns caught the eye.

Running into the gates of the village, Hao Ning was prepared to hear cries for help, to see the frightened children and the lost looks of the citizens who were unfamiliar with battles. But what he saw struck him to the core.

People were fussily running through the streets, but neither panic nor confusion was seen on their faces. The children and the old hid behind the walls of the houses. The young (both boys and girls) were ready to hold fast their home. A familiar short ponytail was deftly and briskly flickering among them.

– Wu Zhe Kai! – shouted Hao Ning, attracting his attention.

The healer caught the call and turned around, grinning. There were a bow and a quiver full of arrows on his shoulder. The weapon glowed faintly with a soft blue light.

– There you are! I thought we'd have to start without you.

– Are you okay?

Hao Ning anxiously examined the young man. The healer waved his hand.

– What could happen to me? The demons-raids are not unusual here.

– Where is the rift? – Wei Huan approached them with a sword in his hand.

– On the southeast – reported Wu Zhe Kai. – It's not as big as usual. I think we might even finish before dawn breaks.

Wei Huan quickly calculated something in his head and replied:

– Jin Yu Ming and I will go forward. You shall support us from the rear. If any beast slips through...

– We must try to stay away and attack from a distance... – the healer finished the phrase. – Yeah, I know. I have heard this many times. Go your job and keep calm.

– I am going with you, – said Hao Ning and immediately caught the skeptical glances thrown at him. – Now I know the basic principles of this world. I can help, – he added.

– You have never even tried to convert one energy into another, – Wei Huan's voice was soft as if he was explaining simple truths to a negligent student. – That is not a thing that can be done with a click. You'd better stay with Wu Jae Kai.

– But…

– We’ll talk later.

Without further ado Wei Huan, hurried toward the place where the rift was. Jin Yu Ming, who kept silence all this time, followed his General like a faithful dog.

Zhe Kai saw the men off and clicked his tongue. Hao Ning pursed his lips.

– Oh, don't mind that. It's just your husband taking care of you.

– He thinks I am a clumsy child.

– Well, but it is reasonable. You have just arrived in this world.

Hao Ning shook his head. That made the healer smile. He lightly patted the youth's shoulder trying to reassure him.

– Let them fight in the forefront, we will help in defense. Protection from within is also an important and responsible matter.

Wu Zhe Kai walked around Hao Ning, putting his hands on his hips and nodding seriously.

– Not all those are heroes who rush straight through the storm. Don't you think so, Hao Ning?

As the youth stayed silent, Wu Zhe felt a nerve chill.

– Hao Ning? – the healer made another cautious attempt, then he abruptly turned around.

Of course, no Hao Ning stood behind.

– Hao Ning! Just look at that child! Running away! Again! Hao Ning, come back here at once!

Wu Zhe Kai's cries had no effect. The nimble youth was already halfway to the southeastern side of the village.

***

Hao Ning was ready to see anything that implied the so-called "rift", but, as it turned out, the name of this phenomenon fully corresponded to its appearance. The long, gaping hole in the ground it was. The rift glowed a faint blue, but that was the only difference from the most ordinary fault in the ground surface.

– For some reason, I didn’t even doubt that you would follow.

From the expression on Wei Huang's face, it was difficult to understand his emotions. The man could either be laughing at heart or being confused.

– Is that a rift? – asked Hao Ning, without giving too much of his actions away.

– Yes. This is a feature of the Middle World. Rifts are not a threat, but they appear in different places. And if you accidentally fall into one, you can find yourself in... an unexpected place. Any place, actually.

– So, when you asked me how I got out of the village so easily, you meant the "rift problem"?

Wei Huan nodded, confirming Hao Ning's guess.

– They are a frequent sight here and can open unexpectedly. Sometimes right under the step.  If you are careful, everything will work out, but, as you might understand, there is another danger.

– Demons.

– Yes. These beasts don't care about rifts. Sometimes I think that the light emanating from there even attracts them. Jin Yu Ming and I are patrolling the area to detect the rifts and prevent misfortunes. Demons are creatures of instinct and malice. They mindlessly attack their victims and devour them.

The man threw a quick glance towards the village.

– I cannot let that happen.

– Now it is clear why you refused to go with me to the Gates. The risk is too high.

Understanding Wei Huan's values unwittingly made Hao Ning smile. He was not mistaken in his judgments. Although at first glance the general seemed to be a strict and cool person, focused on discipline, his heart was overflowing with care and empathy.

Wei Huan's name fully reflected the soul of this person.

– General Wei, the rift will disappear soon, – Yu Ming quietly appeared behind Hao Ning. – No demons seen yet.

– Don't let your guard down. They may appear at any moment.

– Yes, General.

As he stared at the faint flickering of the rift, Jin Yu Ming tightened his grip on the spear. His long black hair, loosely tied with a dark ribbon, was slightly moving in the gentle breeze. It was straight, perfectly laid, without any frilly decorations that might emphasize the military status of the man.

It seemed to reflect his character: not distinguished, but amazingly devoted.

On the one hand, everything in the image of this man – from weapon to robes – was simple and comfy.

On the other hand, Wei Huan, who also did not try to emphasize his position in any way, unwittingly attracted much more attention.

His curly black hair, tightly tied in a high ponytail, already made him look unusual. Together with a patterned robe that emphasized a strong physique, it created a truly impressive spectacle.

Hao Ning shook his head, driving away stupid thoughts. The enemy could appear at any moment, and he was thinking about such nonsense.  It wasn’t in his nature at all.

– My Lord!

– I see.

Both warriors moved so quickly and in sync that Hao Ning did not realize the reason for their sudden actions. However, a chaotic roar from the rift immediately explained everything. The demons were appearing one after another. So many of them, as if a whole monstrous herd was crawling out of the rift.

Hao Ning looked at Wei Huan, and the expression on his face told the young man that the general also did not expect such great numbers. Even with Jin Yu Ming, they were unlikely to defeat them all.

Hao Ning could no longer stay away. But his sincere desire to help was of no use. Decisiveness must be shown by action. So Hao Ning looked around. As he noticed a wild plum blossom nearby, he recollected Wei Huan's lesson.

Hao Ning had never been good in battle, but he knew some moves and was going to use all his knowledge so that he no longer loomed like a useless log. The youth raised his hand, focusing on the energy that was circulating in the world around him.